[ic] duplicity inbox

[darkpath]

text | call | action | pictures

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[inquiryguqin]

None at all. But it doesn't matter whom I agree to a contract with. They'll make sure your rebellion and freedom don't matter either.

Wei Ying. Why can't you be good and obey the rules for once?

As you command me. I'm packing immediately.

[cultivatingsin]

I'll talk to him. He can choose where he goes, of course. I told him that already.

[darkpath]

Because I can't just ignore it when everything is so unfair. But I'm following them as long as they're not too bad.

[ He's meeting the quota. With Lan Zhan. Which is just him having sex with Lan Zhan, but still. He's making a contract, and Xingchen agreed to allow him the apartment. He's been good.

He perks up once Lan Zhan agrees. ]

I haven't picked it out yet so we can choose together.

[darkpath]

I'll talk to him about moving in with me. Be sure it's written into the contract.

[cultivatingsin]

Alright. I'll write it in and if he agrees, he can sign off on it.

What do you want for a housewarming gift?

[inquiryguqin]

Then don't ignore it. Uphold justice. Know when to yield. Choose battle wisely. I'll stay by your side.

[And they're both designated as submissives, which makes it worst. If LIEs ever discovered they're filling the quota together too often, and not sleeping with a Dominant, they can still be sent off to the center or the people zoo. But details. Lan Zhan is ready to fight anyway.]

You choose. I move in with you.

[fanoperator]

[Huaisang is quiet for a few moments, lost in thought.]

Why him and not me?

[He doesn't understand. Wei Wuxian is one of his best friends, while Xiao Xingchen is a stranger he met... once? It's true that Huaisang had only met Xue Yang once, and their relationship in this place changed and deepened very quickly and very unexpectedly, but he has missed any context about that happening between Wuxian and Xingchen.]

[darkpath]

Are you a rich Dominant?

[ If Xue Yang's going to offer... ]

[cultivatingsin]

Yes! [It's pretty exciting... Ask!]

[darkpath]

If you're rich, it's no good to be stingy. I'll let you take me shopping.

[darkpath]

Lan Zhan. I am. I made a contract and everything.

[ Maybe it's Wuxian's way of asking Lan Zhan to understand when things become too much and he has to strike out. ]

You don't want any say at all?

[cultivatingsin]

I would never be stingy with you, Senior! We can find things for you and Hanguang-Jun.

[darkpath]

[ Wuxian hadn't expected a flipped conversation from one of their first talks after Xue Yang. The smile reaches his eyes before reaching his lips, but the look is warm and sincere. ]

Because if it wasn't me, he would have to rely on a stranger.

[ Xingchen is very capable, though Wuxian has limited exposure to him after losing his eyes... Admittedly, he has limited exposure overall, but their introduction had been in the form of a fight where Xingchen did well. Still, Duplicity isn't just a new town, it's a new world, one unlike any of them know. ]

He reached out and asked me, and I know I can still help you as a friend while helping him as a Submissive.

[ Meaning, it was a combination of Xingchen asking first and needing someone willing to take his condition into account. ]

He's going to help me get my own apartment so now when we meet, you don't have to go down.

[darkpath]

[ Wuxian hasn't actually expected any of this to work. Why is it working? No, don't question it. Accept it. ]

Then, since I'm kind, you can buy me things I choose.

[inquiryguqin]

With whom? With one of ours from home?

[Submissives do have a choice in whom they wanted a contract with. He merely make a calculated guess and used deduction.]

I agree. I agree with you. Move in with you in your own apartment. Of your choosing.

[cultivatingsin]

[Because Xue Yang adores him. Shhh it's a secret.]

It can't all be liquor!

[fanoperator]

[Now Huaisang is the one who will have to rely on a stranger, but he thinks he understands. Xingchen needs more emotional protection. Huaisang will manage just fine with social negotiations, whereas Xingchen will let people take advantage of him. Huaisang's grateful to have him protected.

He nods, not especially happy about it but willing to accept Wuxian's reasons.]

That will be good. I'm glad to have you and Wangji both in a safer area.

[He knows that Wuxian does just fine with roughing it, but Huaisang would prefer that his friend doesn't have to.]

[darkpath]

It's shopping for an apartment. Alcohol is only going to be a small part of it.

[ Xue Yang, bring your wallet. ]

[darkpath]

[ Huaisang shouldn't have to rely on a stranger at all. Wuxian knows how Xingchen and Xue Yang met again after their last meeting. It would be hard for Huaisang to be tricked in the same way and should Huaisang need any more protection, Wuxian is willing to step in still. At least, that's always been his plan. ]

What? The Down wasn't so bad. It's more that I had choice-y friends who complained when he came to visit.

[cultivatingsin]

Then I will agree to your purchases. [He is ready.

Or is he?

Should he bring Huaisang too? And Xingchen?] You'll need good food too.

[darkpath]

Good drink is made better by good food.

[ He'd happily just buy food and alcohol. ]

[fanoperator]

'he'? didn't you just say friends? how confusing, wei-xiong!

I'm just glad I won't have to take that elevator anymore.

[darkpath]

If I pointed out it was just one friend, wouldn't you feel like I was picking on you?

We can still visit some of the bars in the Down. They're more fun.

[fanoperator]

I think you are picking on me, Wei-xiong... [There's a whiny pout in his voice, though he doesn't really mind being picked on, as long as Wuxian is having fun and still likes him.]

But there's no way to get to the bars in the Down!

[darkpath]

That's not true at all. I'm even making up imaginary friends so you think you're not the only one who complained.

[ He is teasing, but it's in good humor. ]

No way? We can still go down.